Coconut-Lemongrass Braised Pork Belly in Tiki Spice Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork belly slowly braised in a fragrant coconut and lemongrass broth with tiki-inspired island spices for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth finish. This asian fusion-inspired pork ready in about 140 minutes blends cut into 2-inch pieces pork belly, coconut milk, bruised and chopped lemongrass stalks into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add 2 lbs pork belly pieces, searing until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Remove pork and set aside. In the same pot, add 4 smashed garlic cloves, 1 inch sliced ginger, and 2 bruised lemongrass stalks, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return pork belly to pot. Stir in 1 1/2 cups coconut milk, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp red chili flakes, and 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for 2 hours or until pork is tender and sauce has thickened and coats the pork beautifully.
  5. Step 5: Remove lemongrass stalks and discard. Serve pork belly over steamed jasmine rice, garnished with 2 sliced green onions.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut-Lemongrass Braised Pork Belly in Tiki Spice Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Coconut-Lemongrass Braised Pork Belly in Tiki Spice Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut-Lemongrass Braised Pork Belly in Tiki Spice Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Coconut-Lemongrass Braised Pork Belly in Tiki Spice Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Coconut-Lemongrass Braised Pork Belly in Tiki Spice Sauce?

Asian Fusion pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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